claustro-, claustr-

(Latin: lock, barrier; to close, to shut; a confined space)

1. Of or related to a cloister or to a seclusion from the world: "The elderly couple lived a claustral life in which they separated from a normal existence in the world."
2. Etymology: from Latin claustrum, "bolt, bar". The Latin claustrum stands for claudtrom and literally means "that by which anything is shut up", and is formed from claudere, "to shut".

1. An abnormal desire to be closed in and to shut all windows and doors: "Jack's parents recalled how because of his claustrophilia, Jack always preferred to close himself off from contact with the outside."
2. A pathological desire to be confined and enclosed within a small living area: "Patients who have claustrophilia usually show a predilection or a special preference for introversion and isolation; often with a strong need for solitude and silence."

Relating to someone who has a strong preference to be in small places rather than in roomy or spacious areas: Robert was a claustrophilic who definitely wanted to work in enclosed spaces that are big enough for one person so he can do something without other people seeing or hearing him; especially, when he is talking on the phone as he discusses technical issues with customers of his company.

An intense fear of being shut up in a relatively small space: There are some people who are overwhelmed with different degrees of claustrophobias or abnormal fears of being confined in limited or restricted places; such as, closets, subways, tunnels, telephone booths, elevators, rooms, caves, aircraft, or other enclosed areas.

Someone who reacts with severe panic and suffocation because that person feels that he or she is being hemmed in or is being trapped and can't get out: "There are some claustrophobics who have strong anxieties about being in elevators even for a short time."

"As a result of being hemmed in or trapped to any degree, claustrophobics may have severe panics and physiological symptoms, including increased pulse beats."

"There are some claustrophobics who feel that they are suffocating and who have shortness of breath as if something were crushing their chests."

Characteristic of having a morbid fear of being in a confined or restricted space or a small area: "There are claustrophobic anxieties which start when some people feel they are trapped and can't get out of crowded places or away from enclosed places; such as, in elevators or very small rooms."

"Bob apparently developed claustrophobic anxieties when he was a small boy and he accidentally threw his baseball through a window of his house, and then he was locked inside a closet for a few hours as punishment which had an impact on his psychological development."